New substation to boost Sunshine Coast power supply

More than 12,000 homes and businesses will benefit from the construction of a new $9 million substation at Currimundi, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The new substation, to be located on Creekside Boulevard, will house a 30MVA 132/11kV transformer and associated electrical equipment.

The upgrade to the local electrical network will also include the installation of a new 11kV underground power cable from the Energex substation along Creekside Boulevard, Erang Street and Nicklin Way.

Mr Wilson said the new substation and underground cables would increase capacity to meet the growing demand for power, and improve the network reliability in the area.

“The southern Sunshine Coast area is experiencing significant commercial and residential growth, with demand in electricity in the area forecast to increase by up to 40 per cent in the next six years,” he said.

“The new substation and power cables will add significant power capacity to the area to ensure Energex can meet this increased demand.”

Mr Wilson said the new substation had been specifically designed with the Currimundi streetscape in mind.

“Extensive community consultation about the new Energex Currimundi substation has resulted in a design that is both functional and aesthetically appropriate to the area,” he said.

“The building will feature a low profile design, reduced noise transformer, an architecturally designed perimeter wall and extensive landscaping to maintain the area’s streetscape.”

The upgrade will also give Energex more options to divert electricity from other parts of the network should unexpected interruptions occur.

Work to install the new underground power cables and construction of the substation will commence in April and all work is expected to be completed by March 2009.

Areas that will directly benefit from this upgrade include Aroona, Battery Hill, Caloundra, Currimundi, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach, Kings Beach, Shelly Beach, Bokarina, Glenview, Little Mountain, Meridian Plains, Birtinya, Warana and Wurtulla.

Energex thanks residents and motorists in advance for their patience while work is completed.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex.

In the 2007-08 financial year, Energex is investing around $800 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $300 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media Inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332

Energex: (BH) 3407 4420 or (AH) 3407 5191